Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1498713
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 MAY 2023 5 CULTURE A 19th century crucifix restored thanks to the financial support of the Bank of Valletta A 19th century crucifix made by the artist Alessandro Farrugia, better known as Mastru Xandru from Żejtun, has been restored thanks to the financial support of Bank of Valletta. Mastru Xandru was a student of the renowned sculptor Mari- ano Gerada and worked on stat- ues in stone and wood. Among the works carved by Xandru we find the titular statues of the pro- cession of the Annunciation in Tarxien, Saint Mary in Imqabba, and Saint Paul in Safi respective- ly. One of his masterpieces is the Good Friday statue of Jesus the Fallen in Żejtun, carved entirely from a single piece of wood. The sculpture residing in the Church of Santa Barbara in Kalkara, which many Kalkarians refer to as that of the Capuchins, dates back to the year 1851 and was carved in wood and poly- chrome. This crucifix shows the sacri- fice, the commitment, the re- demption, and above all the love of Christ. It is considered an au- thentic work of art in the true sense of the word without many grotesque elements and it sheds light on the wounds that Jesus Christ suffered on his body. Many spend a long time looking at this statue because there are unique and particular elements in it. The restoration was entrusted to Valentina Lupo, represent- ing Atelier Del Restauro. This crucifix was even taken to the restorers' laboratory. "It was a restoration that had to be done with huge care. Fortunately, the wood remained in good con- dition and was not particular- ly damaged. Perhaps there was some minor damage to Christ's feet and hands. Therefore a re- construction of certain parts had to be done." 'I also found that over the years, several times, the statue was overpainted, and this caused the aesthetic qualities of this work of art to change. At least two layers of extra paint have been identi- fied although it is highly likely that more layers are present,' Brother Miguel Zammit ex- pressed his satisfaction that this sculpture was restored in such a professional manner. 'The church of Santa Barbara and the convent next to it where we live were built on a piece of land donated by Gúzeppi Abela. The crucifix is one of the most important sculptures in the con- vent and means a lot to us." Brother Miguel Zammit thanked Bank of Valletta for the financial contribution to bring this crucifix back to life. "Thanks to Bank of Valletta, this preser- vation will allow future genera- tions to appreciate this piece of art in a better state and under- stand that this sculpture is a very special one." Charles Azzopardi, Head of CSR within BOV, claimed that "the Bank's help does not stop only with financial assistance to preserve such a majestic piece of art but we see that the public in general is also given knowledge of the work that has been car- ried out and we explain what the artist wanted to represent in this piece of art."